Public Network Integration Non-Public Network Evolution

Abstract

Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for support of private network deployed with integrated with public networks. The end user devices connect with the 4 th generation Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) and 5 th generation New Radio (5G NR) enterprise networks with different credentials each with a specific Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN-ID). Based on the associated PLMN-ID of the end user device, the evolved Node-B (eNB)/gNB routes the core network connectivity to the enterprise private core or to the macro network core. The macro network core determines if the end user device needs to be associated with the macro network anchored user plane function (UPF) or with the dedicated Data Network Name (DNN) that is anchored in the enterprise core network. Mechanism to determine the enterprise to associate the dedicated DNN is done based on the end user device proximity to the specific enterprise and routing to find the UPF anchor in the enterprise determined by the Network Routing Function (NRF). Additionally, the end-user device is authorized to enter the enterprise campus network to ensure access is provided only for specific devices that have the appropriate access privileges into the enterprise.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a) a processor;   b) a memory system having a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more computer instructions, which when implemented cause the processor to:
 i) designate a collection of enterprise networks; and 
 ii) support access points providing connectivity to multiple device credential types; 
 iii) support routing to a private core or a macro network core; and 
 iv) attain macro network core anchoring of IP context of an end user device to at least one of: (1) a macro network; and (2) at least one of the collection of enterprise networks; 
   wherein the at least one of the collection of enterprise networks to which the IP context is anchored supports private and public network connectivity.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one of the collection of enterprise networks is determined based on the current end user location; and   comparing the current end use location with a known enterprise geofence;   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the end user device has a location that is determined based on at least one of: (1) a geo-positioning system; and (2) measurements of at least one macro network cell.